Category: Uncategorized

No, resin foam injection may not require planning permission. This is because it is a less invasive and disruptive process than traditional underpinning .

Resin injection is a less disruptive process than traditional underpinning. It does not require excavation , so it is less likely to damage landscaping or disrupt daily life. Foam resin injections are a simpler process than traditional underpinning. In most cases, SubsidenceLtd engineers will not need to enter a property at all, focusing on the exterior land around your home and pinpoint foundation repair locations with specialised construction equipment.

UK Planning Permission for Structural Repairs to Foundations

Want to speak to en engineer? Call us on 0333 1300592 between 08:00-20:00, we are open 7 days a week! Alternatively, you can use our subsidence cost calculator to get an estimate of the cost of subsidence repairs.

The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: This UK Act states that any work that affects the structure or appearance of a listed building or a property in a conservation area requires planning permission. However, there are some exemptions for minor works, such as repairs to foundations. Foam resin injection may be considered a minor work if it does not significantly alter the structure or appearance of the property.*

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015: This Order sets out a list of works that are permitted without planning permission. Schedule 1, Part 1, Class B(b) of the Order states that underpinning is permitted development, provided that it does not involve the excavation of more than 25 cubic meters of material. Resin injection typically does not involve the excavation of any material, so it is likely to be permitted development under this Class.*

Subsidence Repairs for Listed Buildings

For both subsidence repair methods, if the property is a listed building or located in a conservation area , you may need to obtain specific consent due to the sensitive nature of these locations, so listed building owners and areas of national conservation will need to enquire on a case by case basis.

Regardless of whether you opt for resin foam injections or traditional underpinning, both methods require compliance with building regulations to ensure safety and structural integrity. You need to notify your local authority’s building control department, do ask us if you need any help with finding the website of your local authority. In both cases, leaseholders should check their lease terms and may need permission from their freeholder or management company.

Structural Repairs with Traditional Underpinning

The initial messy phase of traditional structural underpinning is about preparing a new, stronger foundation under your house. It involves digging deep to reach stable ground and then putting in strong supports to hold up the house.

Imagine using a spade to dig a hole in your garden but on a much larger scale. Traditional underpinning structural engineering professionals use special equipment to dig deep holes or trenches under your house. These holes need to be deep enough to reach stable soil or rock that can support your house. How long this takes depends on things like how big your house is, what kind of soil you have, and how deep the stable ground is.

The excavation aim is to create a new, stronger foundation underneath the existing one because the current foundation isn’t holding up the house properly anymore. Like the table wobbles, and when a chair leg breaks – you need to put something stronger underneath to keep the chair up.

Once the holes or trenches are dug, the next step is to put in supports. These are usually made of strong materials like concrete or steel. You can think of these supports like new, sturdier legs for your house. They’re placed in the holes or trenches and then carefully positioned to make sure they can hold up the house.

Time it Takes: The time this all takes can vary. If the soil is easy to dig and not very deep, it might be quicker. But if the soil is hard or the stable layer is far down, it can take longer. Also, larger houses or buildings might need more supports, which can also take more time.

After the Supports Are In: Once these new supports are in place, the house’s weight is gradually shifted onto them. This needs to be done carefully to make sure everything stays stable and the house is properly supported.

Remember, informing your insurance company about planned repairs, even if not legally required, is generally the safest and most responsible course of action. Transparency allows them to assess the risk and adjust your coverage if necessary, ensuring you remain protected in case of future issues. Having said that, when our engineering and/or technical engineers conduct an on-site assessment, their professional qualifications and paperwork may negate the need to contact your home insurance company as the insurance company will use the same legal guidelines in their decision-making process.

*Sources:

The Planning Portal
The National House-Building Council
The Federation of Structural Engineers
Party Wall Act 1996: If either method involves work that affects a shared wall (party wall) or is close to a neighbour’s boundary, you must inform your neighbours and may need their agreement under the Party Wall Act. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-resolving-disputes-in-relation-to-party-walls/the-party-wall-etc-act-1996-explanatory-booklet

SubsidenceLtd have over 30 years of construction experience in many different aspects of domestic home and property repair. We supply all customers with a 10 year warranty and pride ourselves on the best customer service in the subsidence repair industry.

Soil Types: London Clay and Subsidence Repairs

Understanding the relationship between subsidence and soil types is crucial for homeowners in the UK.

Much of Southern England lies atop deposits of London Clay, Oxford Clay, Gault Clay, and Weald Clay – dense, overconsolidated sedimentary clays deposited in ancient seabeds. Their high montmorillonite content allows substantial shrinking and swelling with moisture changes.

This characteristic significantly impacts the structural integrity of buildings and other constructions in these areas in times of droughts.

London Clay can be quite deep, with thicknesses varying significantly across the region. It underlies much of London and the surrounding areas.

Cracks in the Walls: A Stark Reminder of the Montmorillonite-Clay Tango

The telltale signs of montmorillonite’s influence are often etched in the form of cracks in walls . These cracks can be:

Vertical: Indicating settlement or upward pressure from the expanding clay.
Horizontal: Suggesting movement within the wall itself, potentially due to differential settlement.
Diagonal: Pointing to potential rotational movement of the structure due to uneven foundation movement.

Mitigating the Hidden Menace Under Your Home

While montmorillonite poses challenges, it’s not an insurmountable foe. Various measures can be taken to reduce its impact on home foundations slippage and moving over the decades.

Broken drain detection : Ensuring efficient rainwater removal prevents the clay from becoming overly saturated and expanding. We send CCTV cameras down your drains which carry water to and from your home. Over 50% of subsidence jobs are caused by fractured water pipes, not tree roots as we previously mentioned.

Foundation Repairs with Foam : Deep foundations or piling techniques can anchor structures below the zone of clay movement. Resin foam injection is not considered a true piling technique by definition, but it can serve as an alternative to piling in a lot of situations. Structural repairs are for extreme cases.

Monitoring Wall Cracks : Regular inspections to keep tabs on the crack width are strongly recommended. If the crack is wider than the width and proactive repairs can address minor cracks before they evolve into major issues.

Modern techniques like resin injection are increasingly favoured for their ability to effectively address these challenges, and being an eco-friendly alternative to structural underpinning.

Resin Foam Injection: Subsidence Repairs In One Day

Traditional underpinning is still useful for serious subsidence, but modern resin injection often provides an efficient, less invasive alternative.

Liquid resins permeate soils and expand to reinforce weak areas without digging. Resin stabilisation restores structural integrity with less cost and disruption than underpinning – making it ideal for Britain’s common subsidence soil types.

London Clay is a type of blue-grey clay, which was deposited during the Eocene epoch, approximately 50 million years ago. The Eocene epoch was significant for the emergence and evolution of many mammal species, which began to fill ecological niches as dinosaurs were extinct 10 million years previously.

The Clay covers much of the London Basin and extends beyond the city. This clay is known for its high plasticity due to its composition, which includes minerals like montmorillonite that are highly reactive to changes in moisture. The relationship between London Clay and property foundation slippage, especially in areas close to the River Thames, is a significant concern for homeowners and construction professionals like SubsidenceLtd .

Borehole sampling, ground-penetrating radar, and lab tests determine soil engineering properties. With detailed soil profiles, structural solutions address the unique conditions and adjust the resin mix accordingly.

Understanding these changes in South Wales, where geological variations are pronounced, is crucial for building and maintaining safe structures. Subsidence affects different geological landscapes of South Wales, your property’s structural integrity and foundation problems may be the reason you have cracks in walls. All it usually takes is a one-day engineering team to visit you on-site and use resin injections to resolve your stabilisation.

Structural Engineer’s Soil Geological Diversity in South Wales

We have 30 years of construction experience and offer neighbour postcode discounts. Speak with our team on 0333 1300592, remember, we are open 7 days a week between 8am and 8pm.  You’re also able to use the online chat in the bottom right-hand side of your screen to Whatsapp an engineer!

South Wales showcases a rich tapestry of geological formations. From the ancient rock strata in the Brecon Beacons to the sedimentary layers along the coast, each formation brings unique subsidence challenges. Carboniferous limestone and coal measures, for instance, are prone to different subsidence mechanisms compared to the glacial till found in other parts.

Subsidence Underpinning Cost Calculator – Online Price for Resin Injections

The resin cost calculator on the Subsidence Ltd website is a user-friendly tool designed to provide property owners with an estimated cost for resin injection subsidence repairs. To use the calculator, you simply need to follow these steps:

• Identify the Affected Area : Locate the area of your property where there are visible signs of subsidence, such as cracks or sinkage.

• Measure the Affected Distance : Measure the distance along the property that is affected by subsidence.

• Input Measurements into the Calculator : Enter the total meterage of the affected area into the calculator.

This calculator quickly generates a guide price, giving property owners an initial estimate of the repair costs. It’s important to note that this cost is generally more affordable than underpinning, a traditional method of subsidence repair. However, the provided quote is only an estimate and is subject to change following a site visit and further engineering surveys.

Understanding the geological nuances in Wales is essential for accurate risk assessment and effective structural design in South Wales.

South Wales Postcode Areas Susceptible to Subsidence

Merthyr Tydfil – CF47
Cardiff – CF10
Pontypridd – CF37
Rhondda Valley
Aberdare – CF44
Llanelli – SA15
Neath – SA11
Port Talbot – SA13
Bridgend – CF31
Maesteg – CF34
Ebbw Vale – NP23
Tredegar – NP22
Blaenavon – NP4
Cwmbran – NP44
Caerphilly – CF83
Bargoed – CF81
Pontypool – NP4
Ferndale – CF43
Mountain Ash – CF45
Porthcawl – CF36
Barry – CF62
Penarth – CF64
Newport – NP20
Swansea – SA1

Clay Soils and the Shrink-Swell Phenomenon

Areas with clay-rich soils, particularly in the South Wales Valleys, are susceptible to the shrink-swell phenomenon. This process, where clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, leads to significant ground movement.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of buildings in these zones.

Seasonal weather variations exacerbate this, causing cyclical expansion and contraction that can undermine the stability of foundations and structures.

Legacy of Mining: A Subsidence Hotspot

South Wales’ rich mining heritage has left a legacy of subsidence issues. Old mining tunnels and shafts, particularly in the coal mining regions, create voids that can collapse, causing subsidence above ground. Identifying these areas is a key concern for structural engineers, as the historical mining activity significantly influences current land stability.

Resin Injection Subsidence Structural Solutions

Addressing subsidence in South Wales has seen the adoption of innovative techniques like resin injection, a minimally invasive and eco-friendly solution. This method, alongside other modern techniques, has been successfully implemented in various South Wales localities, offering effective remediation with minimal environmental impact.

Climate change is likely to alter subsidence patterns in South Wales, with increased rainfall and extreme weather events potentially exacerbating land movement. Structural engineers play a critical role in adapting to these changes, ensuring that buildings and infrastructure can withstand the evolving subsidence landscape.

Vale of Glamorgan and the Rhonda Valley – Riverbank and Coastal Concerns

In coastal and riverbank regions, erosion and solifluction (slow downhill movement of water-saturated soil) present unique challenges. These processes can weaken soil structure and increase subsidence risks, particularly in areas along the Bristol Channel and near major rivers.

Cardiff – The capital city, located on the south coast of Wales.
Llanelli – Located along the coastline of Carmarthenshire.
Neath – Close to the coast, though not directly on the seafront.
Port Talbot – Situated on the coast along Swansea Bay.
Porthcawl – A coastal town located in Bridgend County Borough.
Barry – A coastal town in the Vale of Glamorgan, known for its beachfront.
Penarth – Located on the coastline, just south of Cardiff.
Swansea – A coastal city and county on the South Wales coast.

Urban Development: The Weight of Property Pressure

As urban areas expand, the increased weight of buildings and infrastructure adds pressure on the land, potentially triggering or exacerbating subsidence. In South Wales, where urban expansion continues, understanding the interplay between land-use changes and subsidence risk is vital for sustainable development.

Postcodes for Wales:

CF1-5, CF8, 10-11, 14-15, 23-24, CF 30-31 Cardiff
CF32-35 Bridgend
CF37-38, 40-46 Rhondda Cynon Taf
CF61-64, 71-72 Vale of Glamorgan
CF81-83, 91, 95, 99 Caerphilly
CH1, 4-8 Flintshire
GL16 Monmouthshire
HR3, 5 Powys
LD1-8 Powys
LL11-12, 20 Wrexham
LL13-15, 17-19, 21 Denbighshire
LL22-34 Conwy
LL35-59 Gwynedd
LL60-78 Anglesey
NP1-2, 6, 8-10, 18-20, 22, 24-26 Newport
NP3 Blaenau Gwent
NP4, 7, 15-16, 25 Monmouthshire
NP11-12 Caerphilly
NP13, 23 Blaenau Gwent
NP44 Torfaen
NPT Newport
SA1-9, 80, 99 Swansea
SA10-14, 31-34, 38-40, 44 Carmarthenshire
SA15-20, 35-37 Pembrokeshire
SA43, 45-48 Ceredigion
SA61-64, 69-73 Pembrokeshire
SY5, 7, 9-10, 13-16, 18, 21-23 Powys
SY24-25 Ceredigion

Subsidence postcode checker UK

Visit our subsidence postcode checker page to see how prone your area is to subsidence.

There are certain health and safety standards which apply to rented homes and by law, a home must be safe and fit to live in when a tenancy starts and this must continue throughout the tenancy.

Normally private and social housing landlords are responsible for most repairs in their properties, including any damage or disrepair affecting the structure/exterior of the building. The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 received royal assent on 20 July 2023 and introduced changes to the regulation of social housing putting more responsibilities on the landlord to resolve repair issues.

Landlord Property Repairs and Estate Management

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure the property you rent is safe and habitable, regardless of whether it is a domestic or commercial property. As a private or social housing landlord, the owner is responsible for keeping properties safe, secure and in good condition.

Contact us on 0333 1300592 and remember to distinguish yourself on the call from a domestic customer, to a commercial client. We offer discounts for multiple properties in the same postcode areas. Our customer data has given valuable insights on the most susceptible postcodes around the UK, from South Wales, to the Midlands and Lincolnshire , to North, South and East London areas.

Subsidence is often considered a difficult problem to solve by housing associations or social housing providers, due to the potential disruption and cost of having to get it treated. However, using our resin injection solution rather than traditional underpinning methods means that the tenant can stay in their home, and there is little or no mess associated with the work.

We understand there are huge pressures on landlords and housing associations to improve the standards of their existing stock, respond to new legislation, (such as the Social Housing Act), and meet the Government carbon reduction challenges. These are all adding to the cost pressures on housing association business plans.

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Foundation Property Retrofit Repairs

As a business, we understand the challenges and we are here to support your stock investment and retrofit agendas, allowing you to find cheaper and lower carbon solutions to issues such as subsidence.

We can help by fixing subsidence problems for half the cost of traditional underpinning, doing this with little or no excavation work and without using concrete, and normally work is carried out in a day, which critically significantly reduces your regeneration carbon profile.

We believe that our innovative solution of resin injection instead of underpinning can deal with subsidence issues more cost effectively, speed up the turnaround time of the work being carried out and could be an important factor in your decisions on where you continue to invest in your stock.

With the Homes England funding programme now accepting bids for regeneration projects, now could be the perfect time to deal with properties that have subsidence so that they can be returned to your portfolios.

We are keen to work with landlords and housing associations to ‘save one property at a time’, so we’d be delighted to meet, introduce our solution and offer you ideas for meeting your investment budgets

What is subsidence? What are the symptoms and signs?

Subsidence is a severe problem caused by the ground under your property sinking. This means the foundations of your home can become unbalanced, moving the walls and floors of the house from their original groundwork, and leading to cracks and destabilisation of your house.

There are various causes of subsidence, the main 3 are:

• Soils (particularly clay soil), can expand and contract with changes in weather causing a property to move

• Drainage around a property may be compromised or broken, causing voids to form below a property causing sinkage

• Tree roots can impact a property’s foundations, causing movement of the foundations or footings

There are a few trademark visual signs of subsidence , such as cracks in the wall that are visible from both inside and outside, as well as visible leaning of the property and movement cracks around windows and doors.

Subsidence Underpinning with Concrete Acting Resin

If a property is experiencing subsidence , it needs to be treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, subsidence will only worsen, over time and it may become unsafe to live in.

The traditional method of treating subsidence is underpinning, where the foundations are reinforced with concrete or steel. This can cause headaches for landlords and housing associations, with the tenants having to move out of the properties while the work is being carried out. As well as disrupting the tenants, it also comes at a significant cost.

All of this can be avoided with our solution of resin injections . We produce a treatment plan, which involves us drilling small penny-sized holes and injecting a resin and hardener into the ground, which fills any voids, strengthens the soils and if needed lifts the foundation to the correct levels.

We recognise the importance of providing a first-class service for customers and are committed to working with our clients and industry partners to continually improve our customer’s experience.

Excellent service quality is core to our business; we are often the ‘face’ of our clients in front of their customers and stakeholders, especially when we are wearing their brand. We recognise our clients see service as one of their top priorities.

We offer discounts for neighbour postcodes for landlords, property owners, and housing associations. Call us on 0333 1300592 we are open 7 days a week between 8am in the morning and 8pm in the evening.  Read more about us and our 30 years of construction experience.

Our key customer objective is to ‘Always seek to minimise our customer impact and provide a great customer experience’. We aim to do this by doing the following:

Respect for all customers at all times

We expect everyone in our organisation to be professional, engaging and caring. All of our engineers are focused on customer service and are all DBS checked to give you confidence they are safe to engage with.

Our service area for Subsidence Repairs UK Nationwide, with London City and South Wales being particular hotspots with our clients.

Communication is vital so we are transparent about our work and keep customers informed throughout their journey with us. On-time delivery of quality work is expected by reliably meeting promises. When issues arise, we take responsibility and respond decisively to resolve them. Investment in training ensures our team can provide fantastic service. We foster a customer-focused culture that exceeds expectations and creates memorable positive interactions. In summary, our commitment to service excellence shapes every customer touchpoint.

Working With Your Community Together

Due to the nature of our works and the potential impact we have on local communities, we are committed to being courteous to customers at all times. This means showing respect, especially when we are completing work activities which are visible to members of the public or take place in or around customers’ properties, land or business premises.

We understand that everyone has different needs. Wherever possible, we need to tailor our services to accommodate their requirements. We are also focused on providing the best cost solutions to our customers, so we will always give the right advice and also discuss options to try to make the work affordable.

We are also committed to ensuring transparency, anticipating and responding to our customer’s needs before they have to ask, which means discussing the impact of our work, and making sure the customer’s property is protected during our work.

We encourage our engineers to put themselves in our customer’s shoes and think about how our activities might impact them. Our business aim is to be open and transparent so that we communicate clearly with customers and stakeholders.

Timely Service Delivery – always keeping our promises

We aim to deliver services ‘on time, every time’. This means keeping our promises, and being reliable and honest at all times. We recognise the importance of communicating during all stages of work to keep customers informed throughout their ‘customer journey’ with us.

Focussing on quality assurance to get service right the first time

As a business we need to ensure that our personnel are fully trained and competent to carry out their duties. This is to ensure they are able to deliver services safely, quickly and in a ‘right first time’ manner whilst protecting the environment. We expect our services to be of high quality at all times.

Delivering a fantastic experience by taking responsibility and acting decisively

We aim to deliver excellent service quality. We recognise that sometimes things do not go according to plan; when this happens we need to take responsibility, listen to our customers and respond quickly to provide the right solution.

Delivering a fantastic experience means demonstrating customer focused behaviours, tone of voice and showing empathy. Our Subsidenceltd policy is to invest in our people through apprenticeships , training and development so that we show these behaviours.

We understand that attitude to service starts within our organisation. Our culture is to see everyone as a ‘customer’.

South London Postcodes Heatmap

SW1 Pimlico, St James

SW2 Brixton
SW3 Chelsea
SW4 Clapham
SW5 Earls Court
SW6 Fulham
SW7 Kensington
SW8 Knightsbridge
SW9 Oval, Stockwell
SW10 Brompton
SW11 Battersea
SW12 Balham
SW13 Barnes
SW14 Sheen
SW15 Putney
SW16 Streatham
SW17 Tooting
SW18 Wandsworth, Earlsfield , Southfields
SW19 Wimbledon, Colliers wood
SW20 Raynes Park
SE1 South Bank
SE2 Abbey Wood
SE3 Blackheath
SE4 Brockley
SE5 Camberwell
SE6 Catford
SE7 Charlton
SE8 Deptford
SE9 Eltham
SE10 Greenwich
SE11 Kennington
SE12 Lee
SE13 Lewisham
SE14 New Cross
SE15 Peckham
SE16 Rotherhithe
SE17 Walworth
SE18 Woolwich
SE19 Norwood
SE20 Anerley
SE21 Dulwich
SE22 East Dulwich
SE23 Forest Hill
SE24 Herne Hill
SE25 South Norwood
SE26 Sydenham
SE27 West Norwood
SE28 Thamesmead
TW1 Twickenham
TW2 Twickenham
TW3 Hounslow
TW4 Hounslow
TW5 Heston
TW6 Heathrow
TW7 Isleworth
TW8 Brentford
TW9 Kew
TW10 Richmond

Working for Subsidence Ltd offers a positive and fulfilling experience, our glowing feedback from clients in England and Wales has consistently praised us in Google reviews. We believe in a straightforward, clear communication style to positively reinforce our team and manage expectations.

Construction transient jobs in Subsidence Resin Injection

We are looking to hire people who are committed to professionalism and efficiency and can confidently speak with homeowners on-site. Full training is provided, and you will also be issued with PPE equipment and work boots, view our live jobs based around the UK.

Our business is founded on retaining our strong reputation and in 2024 we have several job opportunities to join our team

Please note: The best way to apply for jobs is to apply via the link above, by sending a message we will assume you are

UK wide travel, London and national on-site job opportunities

You will benefit from our training of new talent. By taking on an apprentice and committing to comprehensive training, assessment, and mentorship, Subsidence Ltd has highlighted its investment in the next generation of industry professionals. We are happy to devote substantial time and resources to our continued extensive development program, we hold a sincere interest in establishing a pipeline of qualified, supported talent.

We are looking to bring on new team members who take pride in professionalism, efficiency, and providing excellent service when meeting with homeowners about projects. Even if you are new to construction, full training is offered, along with protective equipment and work boots. You’ll get to travel to job sites all over the UK on a transient basis. Some roles are based on our Cheshire Head office, additionally, get in touch if you can travel around the Thames and London City, North, South and East areas of the capital.

Our company values retaining a strong reputation. In 2024 this is your opportunity to join a growing company and gain skills in an essential construction trade. We plan to add several positions as we continue expanding operations. New hires benefit from robust training programs and a hand-on, personal approach with the business owners and Managers. We devote substantial time to teach in-depth skills, assess progress, and provide mentoring. This highlights our investment in developing the next generation of industry pros. We happily commit resources to establish a pipeline of qualified, supported talent.

Working with us – it’s the little things

Employees can expect to fully learn all processes of structural resin injection repairs and gain well-rounded experience across our operational areas. But it doesn’t top there. Every year we hold a company Christmas party, you’ll get bank holiday benefits, personal mentoring and a little treat on your birthday.

We offer various great benefits to field employees to help them thrive despite outdoor work challenges or difficult clients. We nurture the technical and people abilities to become tomorrow’s construction leaders. Our supportive culture and guidance reflect core values focused on building up team members.

Subsidence Ltd offers a variety of great things to their construction workers to help them cope with the challenges of working outdoors, handling customer complaints, and feeling mentally and physically drained.

Promoting Physical Well-being:

Our company culture is a happy culture, based on experience by our staff and ourselves of experiencing how some bosses are easy to anger and hard to avoid.

Providing access to health and wellness programs: This could include on-site fitness facilities, subsidized gym memberships, healthy snacks and beverages, and health education seminars.

Offering ergonomic training and equipment: To help workers prevent injuries and discomfort from repetitive tasks and heavy lifting of construction equipment.

Enhancing Mental Well-being:

Promoting open communication and psychological safety: Creating a workplace culture where workers feel comfortable discussing their concerns and challenges without fear of retribution can foster mental well-being.

Offering employee assistance programs (EAPs): These programs provide confidential counselling, stress management resources, and referrals to mental health professionals.

Recognising and appreciating fellow colleagues’ contributions: Celebrating achievements, providing positive feedback, social gatherings at Christmas and a little birthday surprise every year! This is a 21st birthday photo taken at a football match in December 2023.

Addressing Customer Complaints:

This is unavoidable, and this may involve speaking with our customers face-to-face on their property.

Providing training on effective customer interaction. We do ask for customer reviews in all cases. This helps to identify any areas for staff improvement, work processes or service experience.

Equipping workers with communication skills, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques can help them constructively handle customer complaints.

The business owners are hands-on and empathetic with all of our staff, notably the front line employees who handle direct contact and are the face of the business.

There is always the opportunity to speak directly with your immediate Manager, or the owners in 1-2-1 meetings. We offering regular training on customer service and conflict resolution as we believe that ongoing coaching can help workers develop their skills and become more confident in dealing with customer concerns.

Establishing clear policies and procedures for customer interactions: This increases knowledge of the process flow, reduces confusion, and provides workers with a framework for handling complaints professionally.

Overall Workplace Enhancements: Healthy Work – Life Balances

Investing in employee development : Providing opportunities for training, education, and career advancement can make workers feel valued and appreciated.

Creating a positive and inclusive work environment : Fostering a sense of belonging, teamwork, and mutual respect can enhance employee morale and engagement.

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance : Promoting flexible work arrangements, offering paid time off, and supporting healthy work habits can reduce stress and burnout.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors estimates that millions of business premises built on clay-rich soils in the UK are at high risk of subsidence due to this summer’s record heatwave and drought.

Insurance Claims for UK Subsidence and Foundation Repairs

Insurance companies are reporting a year-on-year surge in subsidence claims, as extreme heat and drought dry out soils around the country. Housing Associations with a portfolio of properties qualify for a commercial discount with Subsidence Ltd.

Your commercial buildings insurance should cover any damage to sinking floors that are present in the facility caused by subsidence. It’s recommended that you contact your insurer at the first signs of subsidence so the problem can be taken care of efficiently. However, subsidence claims can be quite costly so the policy holder should bear in mind that there may be a high excess charge.

Commercial Subsidence Repairs for Housing Associations

In commercial properties, heavy equipment and vehicle movements rely on level, stable slabs for effective operations. Subsidence occurs where the original foundations of a warehouse are unsuitable for the ground it has originally been built on, or where the impact of the weather has caused ground movement.

Sinking foundations, poorly laid concrete floors, accesses and hardstanding areas are common of reasons for warehouses or commercial property subsidence.

If a warehouse concrete floor drops, causing it to slope, the facility can become unsafe to operate in and cause downtime to operations. Particularly where forklifts are in operation, sloping or uneven floors make it unsafe for both manual and automatic high-bay forklift stacking devices. This means certain jobs cannot be done effectively, slowing down production and impacting revenue.

Commercial Subsidence Solutions – Underpinning Structural Repairs Alternative

If left untreated, building subsidence can lead to higher business costs as the premise cannot be used for its purpose. Speak to our engineers on 0333 1300592 .

Our resin injection process can be used to fill large voids and large holes, as well as to re-level and re-support sinking slabs and sinking floors which can cause costly operational and safety issues, quickly and cost effectively. It can also be used to reinforce the foundation under load-bearing walls within the property.

Often we can do this work without disrupting your commercial operation, as long as a safe working area can be provided, and we can do the operation quickly with little or no mess.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors ( RICS ) has highlighted a significant concern regarding the impact of the 2023 summer’s record heatwave and drought on properties built on clay-rich soils in the UK. They estimate that millions of business premises and homes are at high risk of subsidence due to these weather conditions.

This alert is based on the understanding that extreme heat and drought can dry out the soil, particularly clay-rich soil, which is prone to shrinkage and can lead to subsidence. This issue is further underscored by a reported 218% year-on-year surge in subsidence claims in the first two weeks of August of the reported year, as indicated by insurer LV General Insurance.

West London Postcodes

E1, E2, E3, E8, E9 Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham
E4, E5 Waltham Forest, Epping Forest
E6, E7 Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Waltham Forest
E10, E11 Waltham Forest, Hackney and
E12 Redbridge
E13 Newham
E14, E15, E16, E20 Newham, Waltham Forest, Hackney, Tower Hamlets
E17 Waltham Forest
E18 Redbridge
W2 Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea
W3, W4, W5, W6 Ealing, Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham
W8 Kensington and Chelsea
W9 Westminster, Brent, Camden
W10, W11 Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, Brent
W12, W13, W14 Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Kensington and Chelsea

Insurance Policies

Subsidence is covered by most house insurance policies, but only if your property has never suffered from subsidence in the past. It’s crucial to understand the nuances and complexities surrounding it. By being informed and proactive, Housing Association portfolios which include domestic property residents around the UK may be protected against the financial burden of this potentially damaging issue. This is not legal advice.

Signs of Subsidence – Domestic Homes and Properties around North London

Cracks in Walls, Floors, and Ceilings. Cracks are one of the most common signs of subsidence and these minor cracks can appear on both the interior and exterior of a building. These cracks may start off small but can gradually widen and become more visible over time.

Subsidence and heave can be a personal and financial nightmare for homeowners as this damage can be very expensive to repair. With our resin repair solution, there is a quicker and cheaper option when compared to traditional structural underpinning.

A good building insurance policy will cover repairs to damage caused by subsidence, as well as replacement costs for lost items and alternative accommodation.

North London Postcodes
N1 Islington
N1C Kings Cross Central
N2 Finchley
N3 Church End
N4 Finsbury Park
N5 Highbury
N6 Highgate
N7 Holloway
N8 Hornsey
N9 Edmonton
N10 Muswell Hill
N11 New Southgate
N12 North Finchley
N13 Palmers Green
N14 Southgate
N15 South Tottenham
N16 Stoke Newington
N17 Tottenham
N18 Upper Edmonton
N19 Upper Holloway
N20 Whetstone
N21 Winchmore Hill
N22 Wood Green

N21 Winchmore Hill
N22 Wood Green
NW1 Camden Town
NW2 Cricklewood
NW3 Hampstead
NW4 Hendon
NW5 Kentish Town
NW6 Kilburn
NW7 Mill Hill
NW8 St John’s Wood
NW9 Colindale
NW10 Willesden
NW11 Golders Green
EN1 Enfield
EN2 Enfield
EN3 Enfield
EN4 Barnet
EN5 Barnet
EN6 Potters bar
EN7 Waltham cross
EN8 Waltham cross
EN9 Broxbourne
EN10 Hoddesdon

Buying and Selling Domestic Properties in the UK

Those interested in buying your property will have more confidence in completing a purchase if you can provide evidence that the problem is fixed. Unfortunately, there is no limit on how long you have to declare subsidence.

Where appropriate your insurer may send a specialist/engineer to your home to examine the damage caused by subsidence and determine its cause. If the damage is minor, the cause can be easily determined and the movement of your home has stopped, repairs will usually be carried out straight away.

The subsidence investigation usually involves accurate monitoring of any movement of the building or structure. This includes precise datum monitoring of principal fractures and, where appropriate, precision level survey monitoring of datum fixed close to the foundations of the building or structure. Often insurance companies will want to monitor subsidence levels for a number of months or years before agreeing to any rectification measures. Your premium may also be affected once they know you have subsidence.

Insurance and Subsidence Resin Structural Repairs

There is no way to easily prevent your property from subsiding further, and resin injection is a solution that is equivalent to underpinning but without the mess, and cost that goes with it. It’s an underpinning alternative.

If left alone, subsidence can cause structural weakness and even the collapse of buildings. Subsidence is at its worst when different parts of the property are dropping at different rates. This causes “shearing” forces between different parts of the structure and can significantly destabilise the property. Complete foundation fails and severe structural damage could mean that structural underpinning is your only viable, and expensive option.

The prices for Subsidence Ltd work can reach highs of around £50,000 in severe cases. This is quite rare, however. Most subsidence repair costs are a lot less than this, and the average cost you can expect to pay is around £5000-£15,000. Fixing subsidence is never a quick or easy job, unless you use resin injection, where treatment can be done in as little as a day with no mess.

Whilst most home insurance policies in the UK indeed do cover subsidence, here’s a little more explanation:

Housing Associations – Subsidence Property Portfolio Commercial Repairs

Generally, subsidence coverage in UK home insurance applies under these conditions:

New Subsidence : Your policy will typically only cover the first instance of subsidence affecting your property. If your home has previously had subsidence and been repaired, any subsequent occurrences may not be covered unless you disclose the prior event to your insurer and they agree to continue your coverage with modified terms.
Policy Terms: Different policies have specific clauses around subsidence. Carefully review your policy wording to understand the exact terms and conditions of your coverage. This will provide details on:
Exclusions: Some policies may exclude specific causes of subsidence, like mining activity or groundworks undertaken too close to your property.
Excess Amount: You may have to pay an excess fee before your insurer starts covering the repair costs. The amount varies depending on the policy and the extent of the damage.
Claims History: Some insurers may charge higher premiums or even decline coverage if your property has a history of claims related to subsidence.

Beyond the “never suffered before” rule, further factors can influence coverage:

Time Since Last Subsidence: If your home had subsidence some time ago and has been demonstrably stable with appropriate repairs, some insurers may still consider offering coverage. The time frame considered acceptable varies, but generally falls within 10-15 years after the previous incident.
Nature of Repairs: The quality and type of repairs done to address the previous subsidence play a role. If the repairs were done to a high standard and have demonstrably stabilised the property, you might be considered for coverage.
Transparency and Pre-disclosure: Always be transparent with your insurer about any past subsidence issues. Concealing it can lead to policy denial or cancellation. It’s also recommended that you speak with one of the company owners of Subsidence Ltd to arrange for an on-site assessment of our modern equipment, drain inspection CCTV engineer inspection and a chance to ask FAQ for insurance purposes.

In lands where Tremors subtly swerve,
Subsidence whispers in the clay beneath our feet,
The Earth doth sigh, yet hope emerges, soft and fleet.
Minds entwined with Nature’s plea,
Seek a path to set the Earth free,
Through mindful care and wisdom’s art.
We Men, the fractures heal, the heart,
With trees as Sentinels, roots that bind,
Resilient, packed with Earth we find.
In unity we stand, steadfast and true,
Together we rise, a world anew.

When purchasing a property, there are many factors to consider. But one that often gets overlooked is subsidence. If you spot any signs of cracks, sloping floors or jamming doors and windows, or discover that subsidence is an issue in the area, it’s worth remembering that this level of structural damage can affect the property’s value.

It’s been well reported that properties in the following Midlands and East Anglia postcodes have suffered from subsidence, LE14, LE16, LE3, LE9, LN4, LU5, NG16, NG2, NG23, NG31, NG32, NG5, NG9, NN7, NR11, NR13, NR14, NR2, NR21, NR32, NR33, NR5, NR7, PE12, PE14, PE2, PE26, PE28, PE29, PE9, B27, B43, B68, B77, B91, B93, B98.

If you think your home may be at risk of subsidence, contact us ASAP. Call us on 0333 1300592 or fill out our simple subsidence enquiry form here.

How long does Subsidence Repair Take?

Top Subsidence Facts and Fixing The Cracks

When purchasing a property, there are many factors to consider. But one that often gets overlooked is subsidence. If you spot any signs of cracks, sloping floors or jamming doors and windows, or discover that subsidence is an issue in the area, it’s worth remembering that this level of structural damage can affect the property’s value.

How Common Is Subsidence in the Midlands?

While subsidence may seem like a rare occurrence, you may be surprised to learn it’s actually quite a common issue. According to industry statistics, more than 5.76 million properties in Great Britain are exposed to medium or high subsidence risk . Therefore when buying or selling a property, you should always be sure to look out for any potential signs of subsidence.

Your Geographical Area Plays a Significant Role

Not only is subsidence a common issue, but your location can also determine how likely it is your property will be affected. The probability of experiencing subsidence on your property rises considerably if it was built on clay soil or in areas with a history of mining activities. Therefore, those most vulnerable are located in certain parts of the UK, such as London, Midlands and the South East. That’s why we recommend undergoing geographical research before buying a property.

Postcode Hotspots for Subsidence UK

If you think you may live in a subsidence hotspot, get in touch. We have a comprehensive list of the most affected areas including South London, East London , West London and City as well as the Midlands and East Anglia.  This is especially important if you’ve noticed any signs of subsidence such as cracks in the walls and sinking floors.

Seasonal Fluctuations Can Trigger Subsidence.

Alongside the fact that your location plays a key role in subsidence risk, as does the climate. Hot temperatures can significantly heighten the chances of subsidence damage . The soil below the property’s foundations experiences a cycle of drying and wetting, especially during the Summer months. This expands and contracts the soil, leading to instability.

Tree Roots Can Cause Sinkage

Another critical point to make when we look into the causes of subsidence is the proximity and type of vegetation around a property. In fact, certain types of trees, such as willows, have water-seeking roots that can cause all surrounding soil to dry out. Because of this, it causes a shift in a property’s foundations, causing them to sink into the earth, resulting in the onset of subsidence.

Early Signs Are Often Overlooked

When identifying subsidence, more often than not, the earliest signs, such as small cracks near doors and windows, are not taken seriously. This is because they can easily be mistaken for a property’s natural ageing and settling, but that isn’t always the case. Our experts recommend an intervention at the earliest point as the earlier subsidence is caught, the easier and less expensive it is to treat.

Not All Insurance Policies Cover Subsidence

Whether on your residential or commercial property, if you spot any possible signs of subsidence, it is important that you check with your insurance provider whether or not such a situation is covered. Standard home insurance policies do not always cover subsidence ; therefore, studying the fine print or consulting with your provider is crucial before addressing the issue. It is also worth considering this when you are purchasing a property in an area that is at high risk for subsidence. It may be worth looking for a provider that offers this coverage to safeguard yourself in the future.

Modern Subsidence Treatment Methods Are Highly Effective.

Historically, the only solution to subsidence was the disruptive and costly process of underpinning. At Subsidence, we pride ourselves on using a much more modern approach to subsidence repair work. By utilising innovative resin injections, we offer a less invasive and faster method that is still highly effective in stabilising a property’s foundations.

Using our revolutionary material, we insert it into the soil as a liquid before it expands underground. This fills all cracks and gaps while forcing out any water and compacting the ground to strengthen it, creating a stable base for your property.

Once treated, the signs of subsidence can be fixed

It is relatively easy to remedy any signs of subsidence once we’ve treated the cause. Please note prior to starting any work, you should repair any cracks and clean the treated area with warm, soapy water to ensure the best possible results.

A Fresh Lick of Paint – a paint job is one of the easiest and most effective ways to hide minor cracks and imperfections. By using elastic-based paint, you’ll also allow for slight movement without further cracking in future. To distract away from minor cracks, even more so, try a faux finish such as sponge painting to add texture. This method is particularly helpful when you’ve only seen small cracks in your property.
Wallpaper – if you are hoping to repair your property damage yourself without the need for a plasterer but struggle to get a clean, smooth finish, by using wallpaper to cover up any signs of old cracks, you can conceal minor flaws or rough surfaces instantly. If you opt for textured wallpaper, it will be even less noticeable. However, please note that with a wallpaper job, it’ll be more challenging to monitor the area for any new signs of subsidence in future.

Fix Your Flooring – uneven flooring is another common sign of subsidence, and once you’ve had your home’s foundations reinforced, it may be worth considering how you want to level out your floors. In some cases, you may have had issues with floorboards coming away from the walls or separating from each other. If you have a carpeted home, it may be simpler to repair. If you are unsure of how to proceed or whether you will need it to be professionally levelled, our team will be able to give you some advice.

Other Minor Repairs – in some homes, when subsidence is an issue, the skirting boards can lift away from the walls or floor. There can also be problems with tiles no longer sitting straight or plug sockets looking uneven. These are often little details that can be overlooked. Once your home has been treated, you should be able to take action, like securing the skirting boards back into place and instantly improve your home aesthetic.

Whether you paint, wallpaper, or simply move around your furniture to hide the treated areas, we ask that you continuously monitor the previously subsided areas, as well as any other areas where subsidence signs often appear, for example, door and window frames. As your property has suffered from this condition already, other high-risk areas could exist. We will identify these areas during your consultation period and treat them if required, but we still ask that you undergo regular inspections to safeguard your home.

Subsidence Repair Midlands and East Anglia Postcodes

Subsidence postcode checker UK

Visit our subsidence postcode checker page to see how prone your area is to subsidence.

Get in touch today for a free evaluation and quote, totally free from obligation. Call us on 0333 1300592 or fill out our short enquiry form.

How To Fix Subsidence Cracks?

Identify the cause of the cracks. Consulting with an engineer is crucial, as they can analyse the soil composition, assess groundwater levels, and determine if geological factors are contributing to the subsidence. This initial investigation forms the foundation for a tailored and effective repair strategy.

Subsidence often reveals itself through unsettling cracks. Left unattended, these cracks can escalate into severe issues jeopardising the integrity of the entire property. Luckily modern technology means that the causes of these cracks caused by subsidence can be fixed much more quickly, with less disruption and at a lower cost than traditional unpinning. By delving into the causes, implementing preventive measures and embracing advanced solutions, homeowners can fortify their structures against the threat of subsidence.

Should I Worry About Cracks In My Walls?

Addressing Moisture Issues

Moisture management is vital in subsidence prevention. Beyond evaluating the property’s drainage system, homeowners should consider additional strategies. Installing gutter systems, grading the land to encourage proper water runoff and employing soil moisture barriers collectively contribute to minimising the risk of recurring subsidence. Effective moisture control complements soil stabilisation efforts and is essential for the long-term strength and integrity of the structure.

Stabilising the Soil

Soil stabilisation is pivotal in preventing future subsidence. While traditional methods like underpinning have proven effective, resin injection is gaining prominence as a modern and efficient technique. This process involves injecting a high-strength, expanding resin into the ground. The resin fills voids and compactifies the soil, providing enhanced support and reducing the potential for future settlement. Its adaptability makes resin injection particularly effective in various soil types and challenging geological conditions.

Addressing the foundation is a critical aspect of subsidence restoration. While underpinning remains a conventional practice, resin injection offers a contemporary alternative for subsidence repair. The injected resin stabilises the soil beneath the foundation, creating a solid and uniform substrate. This not only supports the structure but also enhances durability and longevity compared to traditional methods.

Wall Crack Repair with Resin Injection

Resin injection plays a pivotal role in crack repair, offering distinct advantages. Beyond filling and sealing cracks, the injected resin binds surrounding soil particles, creating a robust barrier against water infiltration. This dual-action approach not only restores the structural integrity of the affected area but also minimises the risk of further deterioration. Resin injection’s versatility makes it particularly effective in addressing intricate crack patterns and preventing the recurrence of subsidence-related damage.

Monitoring and Preventing Recurrence

Post-repair vigilance is crucial for assessing the long-term effectiveness of the chosen techniques. This is especially true for areas treated with resin injection, as it allows homeowners to gauge the stability and performance of the repaired sections. Continued preventive measures, such as maintaining proper drainage, managing moisture levels and periodic professional inspections are paramount to preventing subsidence recurrence.

Filling in Cracks in Walls

Repairing internal cracks requires a systematic approach to ensure a lasting and visually appealing result. Begin by assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the type of crack. Small, hairline cracks can often be addressed with a high-quality interior caulk or filler. For larger or more severe cracks, consider using a flexible patching compound specifically designed for interior surfaces. Before applying any material, it’s crucial to clean the crack thoroughly, removing any loose debris or old filler. Use a putty knife or scraper to create a smooth surface for the repair material. Once cleaned, apply the chosen filler or patching compound, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand the repaired area once it’s dry to achieve a seamless finish. However, fixing cracks in walls may well not be the only solution if there is a bigger problem present, such as house subsidence. If in doubt, get in touch with a professional.

Resin Injection For Subsidence Cracks

If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls they could be a sign of significant subsidence . It’s vital you act fast and if needed, get it repaired. The cracks are just a sign of things to come and the structural integrity of your home could be at risk.

Get in touch for a free evaluation and quote, call us on 0333 1300592 or fill out our Contact form and we’ll get back to you ASAP.